China Painting Comes to Tybee
It all started last February with a sign at the Guard House. It said “China Painting.” My curiosity was aroused. Were there people from China painting in the Guard House? Were people painting on china plates? Was there a new painting class and I missed it?
Being a member of the Tybee Arts Association, I couldn’t imagine a painting experience not being known to all the members. I called the number and got Stacye Jarrell of Oceanfront Rentals. Stacey explained that this was the second year of a yearly art school featuring WORLD renowned painters of china objects. “Have you got some time?” she said. “I’ll take you and show you what this is about.” I grabbed Rebecca Rice and Denise Vernon of the TAA and off we went.
Wow! That’s about all I can say about the wonderment we discovered. We first visited a “studio” where a gentleman was teaching painting on china plates. Evidently you put a layer of paint on, fire it, paint on, fire it and so forth until the plate is finished. Stacey had 5 kilns on her property to take care of the nightly firings. Next, we visited another plate class; then it was on to a porcelain clay sculpting class of vases and boxes. Finally, we visited a studio where mostly ladies were painting portraits on china. All I can say is “wow!” We were privileged to meet some of the world’s most renowned painters of china. What exquisite beauty in this age old art that is now making a comeback.
China painting on porcelain came from the country of China; hence, the name. Several countries stole the idea and began making exquisite pieces, putting their own “mark” and style on them and for years the artists garnered high prices for their beautiful work. However, with time the art lost some of its luster and talent as younger people took up faster and easier ways of making “china;” but quietly in the background the masters continued their art and taught it to the few interested parties.
Today the art is making a comeback, and Tybee is lucky enough to be part of a fabulous event called GA Seminars by the Sea that invites artists and masters alike to come to paint and learn. Every year during Feb/March, the event takes place and brings about 120 artists to our island from states such as California, Vermont and Michigan; along
Consider signing up for these classes. THEY WELCOME BEGINNERS and you don’t have to have any experience in china art at all; plus they give discounts to locals. Interested? Call Suzanne Painter at 706.495.6724 or go to www.gaseminarsbythesea.net.
